Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) can cause people to lose central vision and is a leading cause of vision
loss in seniors. The
prompt treatment of “Wet” Macular Degeneration is very helpful in preventing
catastrophic vision loss for most patients. The “Wet” form of AMD is
currently treated by repeated injections into the eye of drugs called Vascular
Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) inhibitors-that stop, reverse and prevent new
blood vessel growth. The most common VEGF inhibitors include Lucentis®, Eylea®
and Avastin® and often require monthly injections to be effective. Researchers
from the University of Birmingham (UK) Institute Inflammation and Aging
reporting in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology
& Visual Science have developed a method of
delivering the AMD treatment drugs via an eye drop rather than by injection. The
eye drop uses a molecule
called a cell–penetrating peptide (CPP) to deliver the drug to the relevant
part of the eye and hold future promise for treating Age Relater Macular
Degeneration (AMD) with eye drops rather than injections.
If you or someone you know
has a family history of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and is over 50
years of age or is a senior who has not had regular eye exams, please schedule
and eye exam to help us help you avoid vision loss. Please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in
Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract
Center, Google+ or
www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter.
